My First Few Months in The Mountain Kingdom

And so here I am, two and a half months in country with exactly two years left ahead of me. There is so much that I will learn about this place, my job, and more than anything – myself. So now I will sit back and take an inventory of what I have learned and experienced so far.

Perhaps I should start with what I learned today that led to me having enough time to sit down and write.  Basotho (the people of Lesotho) do NOT like cold weather despite the fact that it is surely one of the chilliest places in all of Africa. I gave myself a series of motivational speeches this morning to get myself out of bed. It was soooo cold, and I could see that it had snowed quite a bit during the night. Finally, I emerged from the depths of my warm, cozy bed. I made breakfast and got dressed in about 1,000 layers including the new, sweet gumboots I bought last week! So I made the arduous journey to the school…okay, it’s only a three minute walk – get off my case. I waited for the Director to arrive only for him to say that the instructors will not show up today because it is so cold, and they will not be able to make it from their homes in the village. So as soon as he walked through the door, he told me to go back home and enjoy my day of rest. 

Day of rest??? What does he think I was doing all day Saturday and Sunday while I was bored out of my gourd? Well, anyway, I will make the best of it and stay warm and dry – and reminisce on my time in Lesotho so far.

The first day in Lesotho was a rollercoaster of emotions. Arriving in the airport was exhilarating, but the excitement would soon fade as I asked the Training Director a series of questions (dear to my heart) while on the way to our host villages.

First – “Have our host families hosted volunteers before?”    “NO!”

Okay, I can deal with that.

Second – “Do our host families speak English?”     “NO! And those that do have been told not to speak English to you to ensure that you learn Sesotho.”

Yeah, the panic is beginning to set in puh-retty hardcore at this point.

I plead with her – “but I do not know ANY Sesotho. How will this work?”

“It will be okay. You will see.”

At this point, I’m thinking I am in the car with a psychopath who somehow enjoys seeing Americans squirm under stress and have heart attacks. (It turns out, btw, that she was completely right.) I keep my freaking-out emotions under control – for now.

When we turned off the main road into our village, the driver LAID on the horn for the entire 12 minute ride to the chief’s house. It was the announcement that we had arrived. The children rushed the SUV we were in and ran behind the car until we finally arrived at our destination. We were greeted by essentially the entire village – way too many people to count at that moment. About seven women came to embrace us and shake our hands…these turned out to be our host mothers. My emotions completely overcame me, and seeing the outpouring of hospitality really started the waterworks for me. Thankfully, I had huge sunglasses on, so the whole breakdown was undercover.  One woman in the village came up to us and started SCREAMING “yaaa yaaa yaaa yaaa”, and I seriously thought she was possessed or something! (I would later realize that this is a sound the women make to express extreme happiness or delight.) They greeted us in a very typical and welcoming African way – with songs.

After the greetings, we met our host mothers and were to walk to our homes with them. OMG, the walk from the chief’s house to my house was directly uphill. So I got to my house, and it was just me and my host mother (who speaks very, very little English). I was trying so hard to communicate with her, and she was trying just as hard with me. She left me in my room to set my luggage down and get a little rest. Well, I started freaking out a little. “What was I thinking coming to a country where I don’t even know the language? How stupid are you, Tara? Seriously. You can’t even say a simple sentence in Sesotho. All you have is Hello. This is ridiculous. Really ridiculous.”

There was no time to beat myself up for long because we had to return to the chief’s home for the rest of our group’s arrival. When I got back down there, I started feeling a lot better. Seeing everyone else reassured me that I was not in this alone. They were there to support me, and I was there to support them.

From that day, the learning began at full speed! It didn’t slow down for a second. We learned the language to a level of survival at least. I can say (in very simple terms) most things I need to say, and when I am unable to express myself in Sesotho, there is usually someone around who speaks English.

The people are amazing!! Especially my host family. And the kids, oh man, I love the kids. Don’t get me wrong, I had a run-in with a couple of brats. You know I set them straight realllll fast! One child told me, "You will give me the toy from your room NOW!"  I thought, "Heifer, you do not know who you are dealing with, so I'm gonna let this slide (kinda)." I gave her a "Tara look" and said that her mother would not like what she just said. It happened a few more times, and I finally got stern enough that it ended. Yeah, Tara don't play that!

Onto adorable, precious children who do not require scornful words and faces. One day I was sitting on the couch with my host sister (who is a year old and apparently not latrine-trained just yet), and I picked her up, sat her in my lap, and began playing with her. Well, the little turd proceeded to pee ALL over me. Have mercy, I was sitting that child down and running to my room to change clothes so fast that I was probably just a blur. Clearly having not learned my lesson, I picked the little angel up the next day, and she bit my boob – HARD! It brought tears to my eyes, but I still love that child. I just use a great deal more caution when holding her now.

The food is amazing (sans the sheep intestines offered to me one day), and the mountains are breath-taking! I have met friends who will be life-long sharers of my memories, and that is a priceless thing. You are never so close to a person as when you have to poop beside each other – that’s what my gut instinct is telling me at this point anyway.

 This is a great place to spend 27 months of my life, and I cannot wait to see how much more I learn, experience, and explore here.

P.S. I got to live one of my (many) dreams last month: I turned 30 in Africa!! Wooo-hooo!!

Ahhh Dee Enya Ahh See Ma Ma

That was supposed to be the Lion King song...sorry yes, I am that corny!

I have finally arrived in Africa, The Motherland, the origin of all humankind, and it is beginning to hit me. As we were flying over the southern part of this amazing continent today, I saw some of the most intensely beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of my life. It was a moment of deep thought and great joy for me personally. It was also an unbelievably long flight - 15.5 hours is a loooong time to spend in flight non-stop (over an ocean no less)!

This journey began a couple of years ago, but it is finally getting to the "active" stage...which is obviously very exciting! I have realized more than ever that, as Bernard of Chantres so famously and eloquently stated, I am standing on the shoulders of giants. I can feel everyone who has sent out prayers, support, love, positive thoughts, and good vibes throughout this journey so far, and I am endlessly thankful for every bit of it! I would certainly not be here without my supporters.

Jayson started me on this voyage about six or seven years ago by giving me a HUGE vote of confidence that I was capable of doing Peace Corps. It comes as a great compliment because he knows what it takes to hack it in this environment and the endless complications and frustrations that accompany it sometimes. My parents and sister (and all my family for that matter) have been so beautiful in their support of their crazy daughter/sister who always (for better or worse) takes the road less traveled by. Without the love and kindness of my amazing friends, I may not have had the courage to do it...but they were there. All of you were always there, and for that I cannot thank you enough.

My good buddy of only about four months has inspired me so deeply that it brought me to tears a few times throughout my flight to Africa. I feel like you're sitting on my shoulder, guiding me with that insane amount of grace and wisdom you have at such a young age. (I know you'll be reading this, so I don't have to call you out by name.) I will carry you with me throughout this journey, and I will do my best to honor the work you started here!

Tomorrow morning we will board a flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to Maseru, Lesotho. From there I will meet the family with whom I will be living during Training! We are all so excited about this milestone...loaded with host family gifts for adults and children. It promises to be a surprising and memorable week.

There is so much to say, but I am too excited and exhausted to keep writing...it would only turn into rambling, I'm sure. I cannot wait to experience the next few days and hopefully be able to report back within a couple weeks. Ohhh, and I will definitely post the "needs list" as soon as I get a grasp of what I need. :) For now, if you want to send anything, PLEASE send pictures and letters (ya know, like pick up a pen and write on some paper!). That will be better than anything anyone sends...I can assure you of that!

The address is:

Tara Hughes, PCV
P.O. Box 554
Maseru, 100
LESOTHO


Thanks again for the good sensation I am feeling right now! Much love to you all :)

Selfishness Disguised as Altruism??

Disclaimer: I think PCV’s are typically good people. J

    With what is, at this point anyway, the greatest challenge of my life just around the corner, I have been contemplating some philosophical questions related to my life choice.

 

   I think one of the biggest mistakes that people make regarding Peace Corps is that it is full of selfless, altruistic individuals who choose to give of themselves with little compensation. Though there is likely an ounce of truth in this, I believe the thinking related to PC is somewhat misguided.

 

   I would like to believe that I am overall a fairly nice, friendly, and kind person – but that has nothing to do with my PC decision. Perhaps it is even in spite of it.

   Okay, now that you think I’m making no sense, let me explain. 

   I think that my choice to become a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) is the best decision for my life right now. And that’s the thing – it’s the best decision for MY life right now. I am leaving behind my family, friends, and co-workers.  My decision to be a PCV is completely self-consumed.  I know it will tear my mother’s heart open to see me leave, and yet I will happily and willingly get on that plane.

 

   One of the biggest threats, as I see it, to foreign aid volunteer organizations is to have people going abroad thinking they are a god-send – there to save the communities and villages to which they are sent.  Those are the folks who will likely be the least favored, and therefore least productive, of all.  Humility goes a long way in achieving the goals we seek.  Realizing that we are on their turf and trying to become a part of their communities is essential in creating trust and productivity.

   I challenge those who believe that this is a purely altruistic choice.  I recognize the richness this experience will add to my life.  It is for my benefit that I am going.  It is almost as if not going would be a threat to my well-being, a threat to the very fabric of who I am – a selfish person.

   But don't worry. What the world needs is selfish people (wait, don’t send me hate mail – hear me out)! Not selfish in the mean, cruel sense but selfish in the best way possible.  Selfish in the sense of “this is my passion, and I will not rest until I have accomplished my goals.”  Some people might simply think of this as determination (which it is, I suppose), but I really believe it is a form of selfishness…the kind of selfishness that makes the world go ‘round.

   I have a lot of work experience in healthcare and with that has come exposure to two types of people: those who love their career choice and those who are miserable with their decision.  I can tell you the most significant difference between those who two groups - the way in which they greatly influence those around them (for better or worse).  Patients and co-workers alike recognize the difference. If a person is fully engaged in a career about which they are passionate, they can truly change lives. Trust me, I have seen it happen. However, when a career is chosen due to job availability or income (or the myriad of other reasons people have) instead of scratching that itch deep within their gut that begs to be satisfied, the world is robbed of a gift and a passion. The last thing the world needs is a teacher, nurse, or PCV who is not fully vested in their work. Trust me, I also know all too well about this also!

 When you are so focused on your goal that nothing can stop you from accomplishing it, you are doing wonders for the world.  It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a wonderful, selfless person; it means that you are a productive member of society who is doing what few others do. ACT!!! Act on your passion – it will surely reward you and everyone and everything you touch!

Beware - After the Nausea Passes, Buying Stuff is Fun!

I've never been one for spending money, but I'm starting to understand how people become addicted to this thing! After having spent the majority of my life going without some of the things people consider "cannot live withouts" (i.e., professional haircuts, nice clothes, expensive make-up, etc.), I have now become an American consumer - like for real. Because I am headed to a place with a colder climate than here in South Carolina, I have had to purchase some big money items...or so they seem to me and my meager wages. I have so far purchased the following: a quality sleeping bag, solar panel charger, hiking backpack, hiking boots, base camp flats, luggage, outdoorsy waterproof coat, North Face and Columbia skirts, and a couple pairs of pants (and maybe some other things that I can't even remember). Thank God for tax returns! At first the purchases were painful and gave me a feeling of nausea. HOWEVER, as the packages began to arrive, I realized how awesome it is to have new, fun stuff. How have I gone all this time without buying so much stuff? I spent 58 years in college and somehow never fell into The North Face Denali Jacket trap/craze. I was so proud of myself for that. Now, though, I realize how people can become addicted to buying and having new, out-of-the-package-smelling things. With that said, I am happy that I will be able to spend the next couple of years recuperating from this buying binge!

On another note, I got an update on my Application Status and now I have dental, medical, legal, and placement clearance!!! Looks like everything is in place for May 31!

50 years of Peace Corps seems to have made the world a little smaller

Happy 50th Birthday, Peace Corps! I am so proud to be a part of this organization, and it's exciting to join in its 50th year with over 200,000 volunteers preceding me.

I had a very interesting day yesterday as the world seemed to get a little smaller as often happens when I meet different people from around the world. Yesterday, though, was different. I met a few people through friends of mine - friends from little bitty old Clemson - who have served in Lesotho! My friend Julie (who is currently serving in Namibia) knows someone who served in Lesotho, and she was kind enough to email me offering to answer any questions. My good friend Jayson (who is currently serving as a PC-Response Volunteer in Colombia) met a couple people at his current site over the past few weeks who also just finished up their service in Lesotho. So now I have quite a network of RPCVs to answer questions and offer advice. I am so blessed to have these friends and these connections.

As the deadlines for my passport application, dental clearance, aspiration statement (seriously ANOTHER one??), and many other things approaches, I am getting more and more excited about this new chapter of my life. I have decided that research is great and all, but I need to pull myself away from Internet searches about Lesotho to spend time with actual humans who I enjoy and love!! Time is more precious than ever to me.

On this 50th anniversary of PC, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate previous generations of Peace Corps Volunteers. Through their dedication, compassion, humility, and open-mindedness, the work of current PCVs is undoubtedly richer than it would be had they not blazed the trail. Thank you for giving Peace Corps a good reputation throughout the world!

Patience Pays Off!

Today was the fulfillment of nearly two years of attempting to begin a new segment of my life. I finally got the invitation packet, and I am going to Lesotho. I will be leaving on May 31st to be a Community Health and Economic Development Advisor!! There is so much information enclosed in the packet and so much for me to do in the next month or so. I have to complete my dental packet in the next couple of weeks. I have a buttload of cavities to be filled on Thursday :( but that's what I get for not brushing my teeth, I guess. jk. I'm so excited to learn even more about this country and all the challenges and opportunities that it will present. Oh, did I forget to mention - because it is in the southern hemisphere, it will be winter when I arrive in June - yippee...two winters. Hopefully it will not be a terrible as our winter here has been! Okay...going to eat some sushi and drink some wine! :)

What a long, strange trip it's been - and it's just the beginning!

 Following one of the most emotionally tolling processes of my life (that started in May 2009), I received an email last week announcing that my Peace Corps invitation is FINALLY in the mail! woo-hoo. The only information I have at this point is the following:

Assignment: Community Health & Economic Development Advisor
Location: Eastern/Southern Africa
Departure: late Spring/early Summer

So armed with this information, I began thoroughly researching the PC official page along with the PC wiki page, and I think I will be going to Lesotho on May 31....but of course, I have learned that nothing is certain with Peace Corps. I will be patiently (yeah right) waiting for this week's mail deliveries!

My mind is racing considering the possibilities and opportunities that await me. I am trying to take this time to fully enjoy and appreciate my family and friends AND the many, many amenities of American life that I have taken for granted for the majority of my life. There is no way that I can soak it up enough, but I'm sure as heck gonna try!